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Economics

Chief economist update: Lessons from the last world trade war

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 25 JUN 2018
The world's top central bankers have expressed concerns over US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies.

Chief economist update: Three ayes for a rate hike

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 22 JUN 2018
Three members (against six) of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Council voted to raise the bank rate at its June meet. It's more than the two in May and nil in March.

Chief economist update: RBA not cruising for a bruising

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 21 JUN 2018
Were it not for the RBA's concern over adding fuel to overheating property prices (at the time), the Australian central bank would have already cut rates mainly due to the stagnation in wages growth which is a negative for both inflation and growth.

Chief economist update: Submerging markets

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 19 JUN 2018
The strong US dollar is triggering currency depreciations in emerging markets which puts upward pressure on inflation that, in turn, is forcing respective central banks to raise interest rates, ultimately slowing growth in emerging economies.

Chief economist update: Trade war and peace

BENJAMIN ONG  |  MONDAY, 18 JUN 2018
It'll be pitiful if this escalates into an all-out global trade war and reverses the efforts of central bankers towards bringing abnormal monetary policies towards normality.

Chief economist update: ECB cannot be any clearer

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 15 JUN 2018
While the European Central Bank kept policy unchanged in its June meeting, it laid down a clear roadmap of its streets, highways and by-ways (including unexpected potholes).

Chief economist update: Fed flattens the yield curve

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 14 JUN 2018
The US Federal Reserve projects good growth over at least the next three years yet investors are buying safety instead of risk assets. That, indeed, is a conundrum.

Now showing: Trump and Kim

BENJAMIN ONG  |  TUESDAY, 12 JUN 2018
History of US-North Korea negotiations are replete with promises and back downs.

Japan needs trade peace with the US

BENJAMIN ONG  |  FRIDAY, 8 JUN 2018
Japan is an export-dependent country and the US, its biggest export market accounting for 19% of total exports. China accounts for 18%.

Chief economist update: Another five minutes of sunshine?

BENJAMIN ONG  |  THURSDAY, 7 JUN 2018
Australia's major GDP components have produced positive contributions to March quarter growth. However, dig deeper and you'll find some nasties.